Can I extend a 30-day visa-exempt stay in Thailand multiple times before leaving for South Korea?

Aug 20, 2019
5 years ago
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi,

I was applying for a 6 month ME tourist visa in Sweden, when suddenly they informed me that processing times have changed and it will take a minimum of 7 working days for any visa (would be finished same day as I leave Sweden for South Korea) which means Im unable to get any visa before I leave.

Is it possible to extend 30 day visa exempt two times? I got tickets out of thailand booked within 60 days of first as well as second arrival.

Best regards
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is seeking advice on whether they can extend their 30-day visa-exempt stay in Thailand twice, due to processing delays with a ME tourist visa in Sweden. Comments suggest that while a visa-exempt entry can only be extended once, if a new entry is obtained afterward (through a border run), another extension can be applied for. Additionally, advice is given on checking options at the Thai Embassy in Seoul.
Tod *********
Good Luck, I think you have some options.
Ellie *******
Another possible option If you are planning to stay in Seoul a few days... Check the website of Thai embassy in Seoul. You might be able to get SETV there. Not the case if it's just transfer..
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ellie Takei will consider it :) thanks
Ellie *******
Niklas, not sure can help, but reports here said Seoul's turn around time is 2 days even 3 days on website info. Anyway it looks kind of tight.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
seems like it will take atleast 3 days, and since I'm arriving on Friday and leaving on Wednesday it might be hard. I think I will go with the phuket extension but thanks for ur idea :)
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
I'm staying for 5 days, will have a look. Thanks!
Robert *******
you can apply for an Extension of Stay for a Visa Exempt Entry only once, BUT if you get a NEW Extension of Stay you can apply once etc etc. In your case, yes, 30 days visa exempt plus 30 days Extension of Stay, than a border run, new 30 day Visa exempt entry and Extension f Stay for 30 days
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
okay, I will only be in phuket for 4 days but I might give it a shot then to avoid going in Bangkok later on, since I already got my plans set for onward travel
Robert *******
Most immigration offices allow you to extend between 30 days and your Admitted to Stay date, so actually you can go from airport to Immigration, Jomtien or Pattaya narrow this many times to the last 7 days.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Robert, is it possible to extend by 30 days at any time? Or does it have to be close to expiry of the visa exempt? I will be in phuket the first time and I heard extension is less time consuming there
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maria ************
these are new processing times for any visa that were issued today according to allavisum, I was offered a 60 day visa and was gonna accept that but that isn't an alternative any more with the new processing times.
Maria *************
@Niklas *********
it always takes longer if your first application dont have correct paperwork cause they have to check extra.

If you also have a history of many trips to Thailand the past year they might need extra handling time.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maria ************
that is incorrect
Maria *************
@Niklas *********
they changed processing time cause you didnt have correct paperwork.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
yes I know, but no choice for me when they changed the processing time in the middle of my application unfortunately
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maria ************
I'm aware of that, I hope it won't be an issue otherwise I will fix one as my current ticket is within about 45 days
Maria *************
@Robert ******
just a caution, many airlines require proof of ticket out of Thailand within 30 days when flying from Sweden.
Robert *******
not the best thing, but not much you can do if you can not make a arrangement with the Embassy.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
okay so that solves my problem but with some added hassle. I will then get in on a visa exempt after each trip and extend accordingly
Maria *************
Who informed you? The Thai Embassy in Stockholm or Visa service company?

In my experiece the Thai Embassy can be flexible and prioritise customers that have a departuredate soon.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maria ************
yes, I fixed the document they requested today, with previous processing time it would be fine, but not the new one of 7 working days.
Maria *************
@Niklas *********
with correct paperwork, which you then didnt have, its 1 week normally. Good luck.

If you have a history of many visits to Thailand the past year if you go on visa exempt make sure you have all that is needed.
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Maria Fredriksson yes correct, alla visum. I was told to apply 1 week before departure and I did it about 1 week earlier than that, but I had to fix 1 document that wasn't approved. 7 working days is what they say now, and I wouldnt say that is fast as last time it was done in 2..
Maria *************
@Niklas *********
the most used one is normally flexible but 7 days is pretty fast considering 2 days minimum for postal service. You used AllaVisum?
Niklas **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maria ************
HI, visa service company, I apply by post as I don't live in Stockholm or gothenburg
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